Claudius

Question 1

Accession

Answer 1

Suet: calls an ‘extraordinary accident’

Suet: he promised the Praetorian guard that every man would gain 15,000 sesterces, making him the first of the Caesars to purchase the loyalty of the troops

Aureus of Claudius 41 - 45: Claudius wearing a Toga clasping the hand of a long haired soldier ‘with praetorians having been received’

Both Suet and Dio note how he was found hidden, Suet ‘behind a curtain’ and Dio ‘in a dark corner somewhere’ though both note his accession at the hands of the Praetorians

In the end, despite the senates opposition, facing the issue that Josephus: a return to senatorial government was totally unrealistic

Question 2

Invasion of Britain

Answer 2

Suetonius: of no great importance
Also mentions ships wrecked twice, Dio does not mention at all

Aureus of Claudius 46 / 47: triumphal arch, with included text ‘over Britain’

Cippus inscription on the Claudian extension of the Pomerium: in 49, extended holy barrier, had not been done since Augustus

Question 3

Freedmen

Answer 3

Suet: one might say … everything done … dictated by his wives and freedmen
Josephus: a curb to the rapacity of the Senate (why the Plebs favoured a sole Princeps)

Pre eminent members highlighted
Callistus, in charge of petitions

Narcissus, Chief secretary in charge of correspondence

Pallas, chief treasurer and accountant - Tacitus and Pliny give the account of the Senate authorising the creation of a bronze statue of Pallas

Question 4

Wives

Answer 4

Messalina
Cassius Dio: Messalina was not only displaying her on licentiousness … spreading … others
Suetonius: mentions ‘disgraceful crimes’ and numerous displays of adultery
Tacitus mentions her Illegitimate marriage with Gaius Sillius, Narcissus reporting her, her subsequent execution but also her replacements being on suggestion of the freedmen (‘the most wretched part of the Princeps’ household’)

Agrippina
Distinct advantages: blood relative of Augustus,
Tacitus: Narcissus … more and more suspicious of Agrippina
Tacitus: Pallas as her Paramour
Suetonius: served the drug to him with her own hand in mushrooms

Question 5

Admin

Answer 5

Suet: always gave … attention … supply of grain
Seneca: after Gaius Caesar died … only 7 or 8 days supply …
Dupondius of Claudius: reverse displaying Cerce, Augustan goddess of corn

Inscription of the freedman procurator at Ostia & Claudius’ inscription at Ostia: focus on urban life (and this supply)

Fucine Lake: was a disaster but given some credit
Piny: Most notable … channel … emissary for the lake fucinius
Tacitus: Carelessly completed

Anio Novus & Aqua claudia: Pliny: Commenced by … Caius … completed … Claudius

Also Acc to Tacitus admitted Gaul’s into the senate, justifying this sentiment with the fall of ‘Athens and Sparta’ in all their might due to their blocking out aliens

Question 6

Relations with People and Senate

Answer 6

Plebs
Suet: endowed plentiful largesse … frequent games
Suet: public dismay … killed on road to Ostia
Equestrians
Suet: alleges 300 killed during his reign - though allegedly given right of imperial audience whilst wearing a golden ring with his visage
Senate
Bad: increased usage of freedmen rather than senators (Inscription of the freedman procurator at Ostia)
Only small number of mentions of formal opposition
- Suet: Gallus … Corvinus … conspired … put down within 5 days (Grandsons of previous procurators)

Question 7

Death

Answer 7

Suet: Agrippina ‘served the drug to him with her own hand in mushrooms’